Johnny Wayne Wilson

Johnny's Story

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PARK HILL – Funeral services for Johnny Wayne “John” Wilson will be Monday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. at the Cookson United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Holcomb officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 10, 2-5 p.m. at Reed-Culver Chapel. Interment will be at Tahlequah City Cemetery with Navy Honors. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com. Johnny Wayne Wilson, or John to many friends, was born on July 21, 1933, in Bristow, Okla., the son of William Henry “Bid” and Florence Wilson. He grew up with two brothers, Iva and Red. John graduated from Bristow High School in 1951. He was certain of his willingness to serve his country during the Korean War, so after consideration, John enlisted into the U.S. Navy, serving from October 1951 until August 1955. He served honorably aboard the USS Tarawa, (CVS-40), and was awarded the National Defense, China Service, Korean Service, United nations Service, and Navy Occupation medals. He would return to Oklahoma, obtaining his bachelor’s at Oklahoma State University in commercial arts. John was an exceptionally gifted artist, working in numerous mediums, including stained glass. He worked for Otasco, creating the signs and posters so many will remember. On Jan. 7, 1966, he walked down the aisle at Collinsville Community Church with his lovely bride, Dorothy Ann Keller on his arm. Together they shared 41 years of happiness and a whole lot of fun, while raising two daughters, Ellen and Sally. Family was at the forefront of everything John did. He loved Dorothy and the girls, and couldn’t wait to be in their company. John never slowed down, never missed one minute of all life had to offer. He raced formula cars, and belonged to the SCCA NeOkla Division. He was equally fond of motorcycles – he loved his Honda Shadow – and was a VW Bug enthusiasts, building a 1967, a 1973 Superbeetle. Wednesday night found him shooting pool with the guys, and telling some of the funniest jokes around. He had a joke for every occasion. Dorothy and John had an airstream trailer, and together, they traveled the USA and Canada, seeing the sights and meeting new friends. John was a true OU fan, and never missed the chance to support his favorite team onto victory. John was everyone’s friend. He loved to tease, and joke, taking the time to make people feel they were important to John. A Methodist by faith, John attended the Cookson United Methodist Church. John’s wife passed in 2007, and he continued living in the Cookson area, attending senior citizens, playing pool, and being the friend everyone loved to spend time with. His health began to fail him and John spent more time at home, still communicating on the phone and putting a smile on everyone’s face. The Lord called this kind and wonderful man home from his labors on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 in Claremore, Okla. John was 82 years young. John will be greatly missed by all of us fortunate enough to call him friend. John is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy in 2007; and his two brothers, Iva and Red Wilson. John’s memory will be cherished by his daughters, Ellen Dortch and husband Ed of Owasso, Okla., and Sally Briggs and husband Jim of Locust Grove, Okla. His legacy lives on in his three grandchildren, Edwin Dortch and wife Terra of Honolulu, Hawaii, Che-lsea Enright and husband Rob of Frisco, Texas, and Mary Beth Lane and husband Edward of Windamere, Fla.; 12 great-grandchildren; two neph-ews, Steve Olson and wife, and Randy Wilson and family of Oklahoma; along with a host of friends and pool-playing buddies, car enthusiast friends, and loved ones too numerous to mention. Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 W. Delaware, 918-456-2551.